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LG Optimus Elite review

7/10 AVG.
RATING
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LG Optimus Elite
LG Optimus Elite
LG Optimus Elite
LG Optimus Elite
LG Optimus Elite
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7/10
Informr score
The LG Optimus Elite currently has an Informr score of 7 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 4 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

In today’s Android smartphone-filled world, it’s getting harder and harder to find products that can bring something unique to the table. Many of today’s latest models use the same form factors, come with the same features, and run the same types of software. This makes it difficult to find anything that has any truly distinguishing characteristics over the competition.

Enter the LG Optimus Elite, an ordinary-looking handset that boasts all the most important features you could ask for in a smartphone and a handful of extras that make it a little special. Though it may not look like it, it’s actually eco-friendly, and comes pre-loaded with Google Wallet plus 50GB of free Box online storage.

The Optimus Elite comes in the handy bar form factor and features a 3.5-inch HVGA touchscreen display, 5MP autofocus camera with built-in flash, 1GB internal storage, and Android 2.3 Gingerbread. According to the official spec sheet, its standard 1,520 mAh battery lasts up 7.3 hours of talk time. That gives users plenty of time to enjoy its support for CDMA networks and EV-DO Rev. A data.

Some may fault the Optimus Elite for not having a speedier processor or support for 4G LTE, but the truth is that it’s a pretty good handset overall, especially if you consider the fact that it ships with a bunch of useful extras. It may not quite live up to its name in terms of actual hardware and software features, but what’s important is that it will not disappoint.

Need to Know: LG Optimus Elite

1. Pre-loaded with Google Wallet and comes with 50GB of free Box storage. (The Good)

2. Long battery life. (The Good)

3. Runs an older version of Android. (The Bad)

4. Boring design and non-impressive build quality. (The Bad)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
800 MHz
Processor
Processor
800 MHz
3.5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
3.5"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
1520 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Cnet
Cnet

The LG Optimus Elite succeeds at the basic while throwing in a few extras like Google Wallet and Visual Voicemail. Camera quality is quite good. The LG Optimus Elite packs a couple of interesting extras, but at its core it's no more than an average Android phone with a less than elite design.

- Kent German, Cnet
PC Magazine
PC Magazine

The LG Optimus Elite is friendly to the earth and your wallet, at the expense of power and performance.

- Alex Colon, PC Magazine
Android Central
Android Central

The LG Optimus Elite certainly continues the trend of affordable Android devices that the Optimus S introduced. Unfortunately, unless it gets some extreme developer support (like it's predecessor), this phone is destined to sit at the bottom of the clearance rack, while all the newer, faster, less e...

- Joshua Munoz , Android Central
PhoneArena
PhoneArena

The Optimus One line of phones set the bar for entry-level Android devices, and the Optimus Elite is a worthy successor to the Optimus S. It improves on the winning formula in just about every category, and while it may have shortcomings it is still the entry level phone to beat in our opinion. It i...

- Brian K., PhoneArena


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the LG Optimus Elite user manual here.


LG backs up the Optimus Elite with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Optimus Elite has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact LG support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find LG's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



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Screen Size
3.5"

The LG Optimus Elite's screen size is 3.5 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
800 MHz

There is a Single Core 800 MHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
5+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 5+ MP camera.

There's no secondary front camera.

Storage
1024 MB

Internal memory is 1024 MB. An external, MicroSD (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1520mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1520 mAh battery. LG's performance ratings are 10.5 days standby time, 438 minutes.

Optimus Elite Specs

Overview
Release Date April 22, 2012
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Single Core 800 MHz
Internal Storage 1024 MB
RAM 512 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 0.819 W/kg
Body: 0.97 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
EV-DO Rev. A
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
No
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
Infrared No
Bluetooth 3.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, DUN, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD (up to 32 GB)
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Geotagging
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 3.5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Proximity
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1520 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 438 minutes
Standby Time Up to 10.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors White
Dimensions [H x W x D] 11.6 x 6.3 x 1.0 cm (4.6 x 2.5 x 0.4 in)
Weight 120 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack Yes
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS
ROM: 4GB
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Screen Orientation Lock: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Voicemail Key: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Contact Groups: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Yes
Audio Formats: MP3, AAC+, AAC, WMA, WAV
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Haptic Feedback: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Mobile Hotspot: Yes
Viewable document types: DOC, DOCX, PDF, PPT, PPTX, XLS
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Weather, Maps, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): LG LS696
Related Links Manual (PDF)
LG Optimus Elite Reviews
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